UPDATE: Flooding Conditions in Winnebago County

UPDATE: The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department has been monitoring river levels throughout the County and we continue to experience moderate flood conditions. Though rivers in the area are beginning to recede, they remain well above flood stage. The Rock River at Latham is at 12.68 as of 1:00 PM today, with a flood stage of 10 feet.

Officials met today to address the recovery efforts and are implementing that portion of the operation. A response and recovery plan has been coordinated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department, along with Winnebago County; Winnebago County Health Department; the Village of Machesney Park; City of Rockford; and North Park, Harlem-Roscoe, Blackhawk, and New Milford Fire Departments.

Officials will begin to assess the damage from the floods as soon as it is safe and practical to gain access to the flooded areas to collect the information needed for this process. The Winnebago County Health Department has provided information which will be distributed by officials to the affected flood areas as access is regained to those areas. Drinking water will be available for distribution to those victims of the flooding who are in need due to contamination concerns. Residents affected by the floods will be able to obtain drinking water beginning tomorrow, 4/24/13, at the following locations:

Harlem-Roscoe Fire Station #1—10544 Main St., Roscoe, IL

Machesney Park Village Hall—300 Roosevelt Rd., Machesney Park, IL

New Milford Fire Station—2177 Will James Rd., New Milford, IL

The Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the weather and river conditions for the next several days and make any adjustments to our plan as needed for any changing conditions. In addition, the Sheriff’s Emergency Operations Center (E.O.C.) will continue to be staffed and personnel will be available for any issues 24 hours a day. You may call 815-319-6215 with any concerns regarding flooding.

The Rock River and the Kishwaukee River in Winnebago County remain as restricted boating areas as designated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This means that these waters are closed for use and any activity is prohibited. All public boat launches have been closed throughout Winnebago County due to this restriction.We remain in contact with State of Illinois officials. Local officials will pass along any other information as it may become available regarding other assistance and plans going forward. At this time, there is nothing further affected residents would need to do regarding damage assessments other than communicate with appropriate insurance representatives.

Other rivers, creeks, and streams throughout the County have also been affected by the flooding; however most of those areas do not threaten homes. Motorists are also reminded that they should not drive through standing flood water. If they encounter an obstruction due to the water, they should turn around and proceed in a different direction rather than take a risk at driving forward.

For current river conditions and any further updates contact the Sheriff=s Office at (815) 319-6300, or the Rock River information telephone line at (815) 316-8888. You may also visit the Sheriff=s Department=s website at www.winnebagosheriff.com

UPDATE: The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department has been monitoring river levels throughout the County and we are now experiencing flooding conditions. Recent heavy rains have caused significant increases in the water levels in the past several days. Based upon current weather and river level predictions, it appears that the Rock River at Latham will reach its peak around noon on Saturday, April 20, 2013, of 13 feet, which is three feet over flood stage, but a little over a foot less than what was experienced in 2008.

To address flooding issues, informational flyers have been distributed to residents in the affected areas. Barricades have been placed in some areas where water levels have risen to cover the roadways, closing the roads.

A response plan has been coordinated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department, along with Winnebago County; Winnebago County Health Department; the Village of Machesney Park; and North Park, Harlem-Roscoe, Blackhawk, and New Milford Fire Departments.

Residents affected most by the flooding include homes along: Edgemere Terrace; Ventura Boulevard; Shore Drive; and Blackhawk Island. Additionally, the Red Cross has set up a shelter at Hilltop Ministries Center, 8301 Mitchell Road in Machesney Park for any victims of the flooding. Any flood victims in need of shelter may report directly to this facility for assistance.

The Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the weather and river conditions for the next several days and make any adjustments to our response as needed for any changing conditions. In addition, the Sheriff’s Emergency Operations Center (E.O.C.) will be staffed and personnel will be available for any issues 24 hours a day. You may call 815-319-6215 with any concerns regarding flooding. As the flood waters recede, we will begin the recovery phase and planning is already underway to address those efforts.

Though the current weather conditions are not conducive to outdoor boating activities, the Sheriff’s Office has been working with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and they have designated the Rock River and the Kishwaukee River in Winnebago County restricted boating areas. That means that these waters are closed for use and any activity is prohibited. All public boat launches have been closed throughout Winnebago County due to this restriction.

Other rivers, creeks, and streams throughout the County have also been affected by the flooding; however most of those areas do not threaten homes. Motorists are also reminded that they should not drive through standing flood water. If they encounter an obstruction due to the water, they should turn around and proceed in a different direction rather than take a risk at driving forward.For current river conditions and any further updates contact the Sheriff=s Office at (815) 319-6300, or the Rock River information telephone line at (815) 316-8888. You may also visit the Sheriff=s Department=s website at www.winnebagosheriff.com

STATELINE (WIFR) – Flooding is a major concern in our area. The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department is monitoring river levels throughout the Stateline.

Come this weekend, the water level near Latham Park in Machesney Park could be the second highest recorded since the summer of 2008. In fact, right now it’s already three quarters of a foot above flood stage and could hit 14 feet by Friday and Saturday. In the area, we’re getting reports of minor to moderate flooding north of Rockford and rapid increases are expected in the Rock-River in Byron, which means we could have major flooding by the weekend.

As for the Pecatonica River, flooding has become a problem around Freeport and in Shirland. Near Brodhead into Winnebago County we’re getting reports of low land flooding. Some good news right now for those living near the Kishwaukee river, it’s actually below flood stage, however the river is expected to reach flood stage by this weekend.

This is all too familiar for homeowners who live in this area, but here's the thing, everyone is affected by this rain fall because the ground is saturated. This means backyards, streets and low lying areas could be affected.

The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office has said sand and sandbags will be available at the following locations:

STATELINE (WIFR) -- Below are various statements from different areas around the Stateline concerning flooding:

WINNEBAGO COUNTY

The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department is monitoring river levels throughout the County and advising citizens to be prepared for potential flooding. Recent heavy rains and predictions for continued rain over the next several days have caused rivers to rise significantly in the past few days.

In preparation for any flooding issues, informational fliers are being distributed to residents in the potentially affected areas. Barricades will be available in the event of road closures, and Emergency Notification System calls have been made to these affected residents.

The response plan is being coordinated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department, along with Winnebago County; the Village of Machesney Park; and North Park, Harlem-Roscoe, Blackhawk, and New Milford Fire Departments.

The Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the weather and river conditions for the next several days and make any adjustments to response as needed for any changing conditions. In addition, the Sheriff’s Emergency Operations Center (E.O.C.) will be staffed and personnel will be available for any issues 24 hours a day. You may call 815-319-6215 with any concerns regarding flooding.

Residents of the area are reminded that as the water rises, flooding may continue to occur in areas affected by the higher water levels. Any additional rainfall will greatly impact the water levels, as the ground is saturated, and any significant amounts of rain over the next several days will add runoff to the water levels.

Other rivers, creeks, and streams throughout the County will also be affected, but most of those areas do not threaten homes. Motorists are also reminded that they should not drive through standing flood water. If they encounter an obstruction due to the water, they should turn around and proceed in different direction rather than take a risk at driving forward.

For current river conditions and any further updates contact the Sheriff's Office at (815) 319-6300, or the Rock River information telephone line at (815) 316-8888. You may also visit the Sheriff's Department's website at www.winnebagosheriff.com

STEPHENSON COUNTY

WinslowThe Pecatonica River level at Martintown, WI is 11.40 feet as of 1445 Hours. The flood stage is 13.5 feet. The river is expected to crest near or at 14.6 feet on Saturday the 20th. We are not anticipating major road closures at this time. This crest prediction takes into account anticipated rainfall for the next 24hours. More or less rainfall can change the crest prediction.

FreeportThe Pecatonica River level at Freeport is at 12.94 feet, flood stage is 13.00 feet. At 11:00 A.M. the National Weather Service forecast a crest of 15.00 on Friday the 19th. Freeport Streets located off of IL Rt. 75 East from Henderson St to the east will be impacted with water on the roadways. Some streets have been closed and persons living in the area, along with business in the area, should look at alternation routes for traveling to and from home or work. Flooding will occur in the Third and McCurg Street area, North Henderson Road, and Hancock Street from E. Stephenson St south to the bridge. Also the intersection of Van Buren and Lancaster Road, just north of Freeport, is closed.

County RoadsMost roads throughout the county, near rivers and streams will remain closed due to water on the roadways. The heavy rains of this morning and early afternoon did not cause our feeder streams to leave their banks at this time. Yellow Creek at Pearl City is within its banks. The same goes for the Richland and Rock Run Creeks. Drivers should still be alert for water on the roadway near streams and low lying areas. Drivers are advised to turn around and …don’t drown. It only takes two feet of water to float most vehicles…including sport utility vehicles.

Sheltering If evacuations become necessary due to rising flood waters, the Northwest Illinois Chapter will open an American Red Cross shelters in Pearl City and Freeport. Please listen to the local radio and television stations or check the local newspaper for shelter locations. Meals would be available at the shelter.

In the event of shelters opening, you should bring identification which shows your residence (or utility bill), any medicines needed by members of your family, feeding formulas for infants, a pillow and blanket for each member of your family, and a change of clothing. Family pets are not allowed in Red Cross Shelters due to Public Health requirements. Families with pets living in areas where evacuation may be needed should make prior arrangements to house their pets and not leave the pets behind in the house or on the property.

Impending Weather SystemThe latest information our office has from the National Weather Service is a forecast for heavy rain (The NWS defines heavy rain as .5 inches or more) for Wednesday night and early Thursday morning and afternoon. Friday’s & Saturday’s forecast is for cooler temperatures and dry.

The WeekendThe forecast for the weekend looks good for Saturday with the possibility of some rain on Sunday which should have little impact on the Pecatonica River or Yellow Creek river basins. Health IssuesThose people living in low lying areas or areas prone to flooding are urged to get their wells tested. High water tables could contaminate well water if there is a break in the well casing. Water test kits can be obtained from the Stephenson County Environmental Health Department located at 295 W. Lamm Road, Freeport.

Sand Bag Locations

Residents who live within the City of Freeport will find sand and sandbags located in the Tutty’s Crossing Parking Lot at Stephenson and Liberty Streets and the Freeport Park District maintenance building located in Krape Park to the north of the band shell.

Residents who live in Stephenson County can call 815-599-0344 for sandbags. Be prepared to advise how many bags will be needed. At this time no sand is available.

Contact PointsPersons living within the City of Freeport should call 815-235-8222, the Freeport Police Department, with questions.

Persons living outside the City of Freeport should call 815-235-8252, the Stephenson County Sheriff’s Agency, or the Stephenson County Emergency Management Agency at 815-599-0344 with questions. Those individuals with internet access can go to www.stcoema.org for further information.

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